US20210013661A1 - Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock - Google Patents
Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210013661A1 US20210013661A1 US16/507,908 US201916507908A US2021013661A1 US 20210013661 A1 US20210013661 A1 US 20210013661A1 US 201916507908 A US201916507908 A US 201916507908A US 2021013661 A1 US2021013661 A1 US 2021013661A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- lock
- housing
- position assurance
- terminal position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4364—Insertion of locking piece from the front
- H01R13/4365—Insertion of locking piece from the front comprising a temporary and a final locking position
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/424—Securing in base or case composed of a plurality of insulating parts having at least one resilient insulating part
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/422—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
- H01R13/4223—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means comprising integral flexible contact retaining fingers
Definitions
- This invention relates to a connector assembly for an electric terminal. More specifically, this invention relates to a connector assembly for an electric terminal including a terminal lock that provides improved resistance to the terminal being pulled out of the connector housing.
- Electric terminals are used in a variety of applications where it is desirable to create an electric connection between various components of a circuit. Electric terminals are typically installed in a housing for ease of use. The housing holds each electric terminal in a desired position and orientation and allows a user to easily connect each electric terminal to its respective mate.
- Terminal locks holds each electric terminal in the housing and ensure that the electric terminals does not fall out of the cavity during normal use of the housing.
- the typical terminal lock includes a resilient arm that engages the body of the electric terminal when the electric terminal is installed in the housing. The electric terminal engages the arm if a force is applied to pull it out of the housing, and this engagement resists such movement of the electric terminal.
- a terminal position assurance is commonly used to ensure that each of the electric terminals is properly installed in the housing.
- the terminal position assurance is a component that mates with the housing and sits in a locked position when the electric terminals are properly installed in the housing. If one or more of the electric terminals is not properly installed in the housing, the terminal position assurance is prevented from moving to the locked position.
- a vehicle such as a passenger car includes a number of different electric components.
- these electric components operate correctly throughout the life of the vehicle, it is desirable that the electric terminals remain properly installed in the housing and are not accidentally pulled out of the housing. It would be advantageous to have an alternative connector assembly that prevents the electric terminals from being pulled out of the housing.
- the connector assembly includes a connector housing.
- the connector housing is adapted to hold an electric terminal in a terminal cavity.
- the connector assembly also includes a terminal position assurance.
- the terminal position assurance is movable relative to the connector housing.
- a terminal position assurance lock retains the terminal position assurance in a pre-lock position relative to the connector housing.
- the terminal position assurance lock also retains the terminal position assurance in a locked position relative to the connector housing.
- an electric terminal In other embodiments of the invention include an electric terminal.
- the electric terminal is movable relative to the connector housing to an installed position. When the terminal position assurance is in the pre-lock position and the electric terminal is in the installed position, the electric terminal releases the terminal position assurance lock
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly and two electric terminals.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in a pre-lock state.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in a locked state.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a housing of the connector assembly, showing a housing lock.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view, partially cut away, of a terminal position assurance of the connector assembly, showing a terminal position assurance lock.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along the line 6 - 6 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 , showing the housing with one of the electric terminals in an installed position.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a terminal lock of the housing.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view, partially cut away, of one of the electric terminals seated on the terminal lock.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 , taken along the line 10 - 10 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11 - 11 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12 - 12 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly indicated generally at 10 .
- the connector assembly 10 includes a housing 12 and a terminal position assurance 14 .
- the connector assembly 10 is adapted to hold an electric terminal 16 and a second electric terminal 16 A in a first terminal cavity 18 and a second terminal cavity 18 A, respectively.
- the terminal cavities 18 and 18 A extend through the housing 12 from an insertion end 20 of the housing 12 to a mate end 22 .
- the illustrated electric terminals 16 and 16 A are box-shaped female terminals, but the connector assembly 10 may be adapted to hold any desired type of electric terminal. Further, the connector assembly 10 may hold any desired number of electric terminals.
- FIG. 2 there is illustrated a perspective view of the connector assembly 10 wherein the terminal position assurance 14 is attached to the housing 12 and is located in a pre-lock position.
- FIG. 3 is a view of the connector assembly 10 wherein the terminal position assurance 14 has been moved relative to the housing 12 from the pre-lock position to a locked position. Both of these positions will be described in detail below.
- FIG. 4 there is illustrated a detailed view of a part of the housing 12 that includes a housing lock, indicated generally at 24 .
- the illustrated housing 12 includes two housing locks 24 (shown on FIG. 1 ), but may include any desired number of housing locks 24 .
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partially cut away view of a portion of the terminal position assurance 14 showing a terminal position assurance lock, indicated generally at 26 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 includes a terminal position assurance body 27 and the terminal position assurance lock 26 extends from the terminal position assurance body 27 in a mate direction 28 .
- the illustrated terminal position assurance 14 includes two terminal position assurance locks 26 (shown on FIG. 1 ), but may include any desired number.
- the housing lock 24 and the terminal position assurance lock 26 serve to retain the terminal position assurance 14 in one of a plurality of positions relative to the housing 12 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 In order to attach the terminal position assurance 14 to the housing 12 , the terminal position assurance 14 is placed in an initial position adjacent to the mate end 22 of the housing 12 with the terminal position assurance locks 26 extending toward the housing 12 . The terminal position assurance 14 is then moved in the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 to the pre-lock position illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the terminal position assurance lock 26 includes a resilient arm 30 that extends from the terminal position assurance body 27 and a lock head 32 that extends from the arm 30 .
- the lock head 32 includes an insert slide 34 that is located on a side of the lock head 32 that faces in the mate direction 28 .
- the insert slide 34 engages the housing 12 , causing the arm 30 to deflect and move the lock head 32 away from the housing 12 .
- the housing lock 24 includes a pre-lock catch 36 .
- the connector assembly 10 includes features to retain the connector assembly 10 in the pre-lock position that will be described below.
- the terminal position assurance 14 is prevented from being moved in the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 when the connector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position.
- the terminal position assurance 14 is also prevented from being moved opposite the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 when the connector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position.
- the lock head 32 includes an insert stop 38 on the side of the lock head 32 that faces in the mate direction 28 .
- the insert stop 38 is located adjacent to the insert slide 34 and has a different slope than the insert slide 34 .
- the housing lock 24 includes an insert block 40 on the pre-lock catch 36 .
- the insert stop 38 is located adjacent to the insert block 40 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6 - 6 of FIG. 2 and is taken through the insert stop 38 and the insert block 40 . As shown, the insert stop 38 engages the insert block 40 to prevent further movement of the terminal position assurance 14 in the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 .
- the lock head 32 includes a removal stop 42 on the side of the lock head 32 that faces opposite the mate direction 28 .
- the removal stop 42 is located on the opposite side of the lock head 32 from the insert stop 38 .
- the housing lock 24 includes a removal block 44 on the pre-lock catch 36 .
- the removal block 44 is located on the opposite side of the pre-lock catch 36 from the insert block 40 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 also includes a plurality of retainer latches, indicated generally at 46 .
- the illustrated terminal position assurance 14 includes four retainer latches 46 , and two are shown in FIG. 5 . However, the terminal position assurance 14 may include any desired number of retainer latches 46 .
- Each retainer latch 46 includes a resilient latch arm 48 that extends from the terminal position assurance body 27 and a latch tab 50 that extends from the latch arm 48 .
- the housing 12 includes a plurality of retainer catches 52 .
- the illustrated housing 12 includes four retainer catches 52 , and one is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the terminal cavity 18 extends from the insertion end 20 to the mate end 22 of the housing 12 .
- the terminal cavity 18 extends along a cavity axis 54 .
- the second terminal cavity 18 A similarly extends along a cavity axis 54 A.
- the illustrated second terminal cavity 18 A includes the same features as the terminal cavity 18 and will not be described separately.
- the terminal cavity 18 includes a terminal lock, indicated generally at 56 , that serves to retain the electric terminal 16 in an installed position in the terminal cavity 18 .
- the terminal lock 56 includes a resilient lock arm 58 and a lock tab 60 that extends from the lock arm 58 toward the cavity axis 54 .
- the electric terminal 16 in order to insert the electric terminal 16 into the terminal cavity 18 , the electric terminal 16 is initially positioned with a mate end 62 adjacent to the insertion end 20 of the housing 12 . The electric terminal 16 is then moved in an insertion direction 64 relative to the housing 12 and into the terminal cavity 18 .
- the insertion direction 64 is opposite the mate direction 28 .
- the insertion direction 64 may have any desired orientation.
- the illustrated electric terminal 16 is similar to the terminal described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,193,247, but includes two lock windows 66 on opposed sides thereof.
- the illustrated lock windows 66 are located in a spring 68 of the electric terminal 16 , but may be located in any desired part of the electric terminal 16 .
- FIG. 7 which is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 with the electric terminal 16 shown in the installed position.
- the electric terminal 16 engages the terminal lock 56 to prevent the electric terminal 16 from being moved opposite the insertion direction 64 relative to the housing 12 .
- FIG. 8 there is illustrated a partially cut away view of the housing 12 showing the terminal lock 56 .
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 , showing a cut away view of the electric terminal 16 in the installed position on the terminal lock 56 .
- the lock tab 60 extends from the lock arm 58 .
- the lock tab 60 includes a raised ridge 70 on an outer end 72 thereof, away from the lock arm 58 .
- the outer end 72 has a width 74 that is larger than the ridge 70 and includes a flat 76 on either side of the ridge 70 .
- the ridge 70 When the electric terminal 16 is in the installed position, the ridge 70 is located inside the electric terminal 16 as shown in FIG. 9 , and the electric terminal 16 is seated, in part, on the flats 76 .
- the ridge 70 positions the electric terminal 16 on the lock tab 60 so that the electric terminal 16 is in contact with the lock tab 60 across the width 74 .
- the electric terminal 16 when the electric terminal 16 is in the installed position, it releases the terminal position assurance lock 26 from the pre-lock catch 36 . As shown, the electric terminal 16 engages the lock head 32 , and the lock head 32 is pushed away from the cavity axis 54 and out of the pre-lock catch 36 . As a result, the insert stop 38 will not engage the insert block 40 and will not prevent further movement of the terminal position assurance 14 in the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal position assurance 14 will be locked in the pre-lock position until the second electric terminal 16 A is also placed in an inserted position.
- the terminal position assurance 14 When the second electric terminal 16 A is placed in the inserted position, the terminal position assurance 14 will be able to be moved in the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 . However, the retainer latches 46 will continue to engage the respective retainer catches 52 to prevent the terminal position assurance 14 from being moved opposite the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 .
- FIG. 10 there is illustrated a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 , with the second electric terminal 16 A in the installed position and the terminal position assurance 14 moved relative to the housing 12 in the mate direction 28 .
- the connector assembly 10 is shown in the locked position, illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the housing lock 24 includes a lock catch 78 .
- the lock head 32 When the terminal position assurance 14 is moved to the locked position, the arm 30 rebounds, and the lock head 32 is moved into the lock catch 78 .
- the lock head 32 also extends into one of the lock windows 66 on the electric terminal 16 .
- the lock head 32 and the lock catch 60 are located on opposed sides of the cavity axis 54 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the lock head 32 engages the housing 12 to prevent the terminal position assurance 14 from being moved opposite the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 includes a lock stop 80 that prevents the terminal lock 56 from releasing the electric terminal 16 .
- the lock stop 80 extends behind the lock arm 58 in order to prevent the terminal lock 56 from moving away from the cavity axis 54 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 prevents the terminal lock 56 from releasing the electric terminal 16 from the terminal cavity 18 .
- FIG. 11 there is illustrated a cross-sectional view taken through the connector assembly 10 in the locked position.
- the view illustrated in FIG. 11 is taken parallel to the view illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the terminal position assurance 12 also includes a forward stop 82 that prevents the terminal lock 56 from moving toward the cavity axis 54 .
- the forward stop 82 extends from the terminal position assurance body 27 in the mate direction 28 .
- the terminal lock 56 includes a forward block 84 that engages the forward stop 82 to prevent the terminal lock 56 from moving toward the cavity axis 54 .
- the illustrated terminal lock 56 includes two forward blocks 84 that are located on opposite sides of the lock tab 60 .
- the terminal lock 56 may have any desired number of forward blocks 84 extending in any desired locations.
- FIG. 12 there is illustrated a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 includes two forward stops 82 that each extend in front of one of the forward blocks 84 .
- Each forward stop 82 is located between the respective forward block 84 and the terminal cavity 18 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 prevent the terminal lock 56 from moving toward the cavity axis 54 in order to maintain the designed strength of the terminal lock 56 .
- the terminal cavity 18 has a substantially rectangular shape with three walls defined by the housing 12 and one wall defined by the terminal position assurance 14 .
- the terminal lock 56 extends into the terminal cavity 18 from the wall defined by the terminal position assurance 14 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 limits movement of the terminal lock 56 away from the cavity axis 54
- the terminal position assurance 14 limits movement of the terminal lock 56 toward the cavity axis 54 .
- the illustrated connector assembly 10 is also serviceable and the electric terminal 16 and the second electric terminal 16 A may be removed from their respective installed positions, if desired.
- the electric terminal 16 is retained in the first terminal cavity 18 by the terminal lock 56 , which is held in place by the lock stop 80 on the terminal position assurance 14 .
- the terminal position assurance 14 is moved opposite the mate direction 28 relative to the housing 12 to the pre-lock position.
- the terminal position assurance 14 includes first release openings 86 that extend through the terminal position assurance body 27 .
- the illustrated terminal position assurance 14 includes two first release openings 86 , but may include any desired number.
- a release tool (not shown) may be inserted through the first release openings 86 , parallel to the cavity axis 54 , to engage the terminal lock 56 .
- each first release opening 86 is aligned with one of the forward blocks 84 .
- each forward block 84 is angled so that the release tool engages the terminal lock 56 , deflects the lock arm 58 , and moves the lock tab 60 away from the cavity axis 54 . At this point, the lock tab 60 is moved out of the lock window 66 and the electric terminal 16 may be removed from the first terminal cavity 18 .
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- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
A connector assembly includes a housing that is adapted to hold an electric terminal in a terminal cavity. The connector assembly also includes a terminal position assurance that is movable relative to the housing. A terminal position assurance lock retains the terminal position assurance in a pre-lock position relative to the housing. The terminal position assurance lock also retains the terminal position assurance in a lock position relative to the housing.
Description
- This invention relates to a connector assembly for an electric terminal. More specifically, this invention relates to a connector assembly for an electric terminal including a terminal lock that provides improved resistance to the terminal being pulled out of the connector housing.
- Electric terminals are used in a variety of applications where it is desirable to create an electric connection between various components of a circuit. Electric terminals are typically installed in a housing for ease of use. The housing holds each electric terminal in a desired position and orientation and allows a user to easily connect each electric terminal to its respective mate.
- Terminal locks holds each electric terminal in the housing and ensure that the electric terminals does not fall out of the cavity during normal use of the housing. The typical terminal lock includes a resilient arm that engages the body of the electric terminal when the electric terminal is installed in the housing. The electric terminal engages the arm if a force is applied to pull it out of the housing, and this engagement resists such movement of the electric terminal.
- A terminal position assurance is commonly used to ensure that each of the electric terminals is properly installed in the housing. The terminal position assurance is a component that mates with the housing and sits in a locked position when the electric terminals are properly installed in the housing. If one or more of the electric terminals is not properly installed in the housing, the terminal position assurance is prevented from moving to the locked position.
- A vehicle such as a passenger car includes a number of different electric components. In order to ensure that these electric components operate correctly throughout the life of the vehicle, it is desirable that the electric terminals remain properly installed in the housing and are not accidentally pulled out of the housing. It would be advantageous to have an alternative connector assembly that prevents the electric terminals from being pulled out of the housing.
- This invention relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector housing. The connector housing is adapted to hold an electric terminal in a terminal cavity. The connector assembly also includes a terminal position assurance. The terminal position assurance is movable relative to the connector housing. A terminal position assurance lock retains the terminal position assurance in a pre-lock position relative to the connector housing. The terminal position assurance lock also retains the terminal position assurance in a locked position relative to the connector housing.
- In other embodiments of the invention include an electric terminal. The electric terminal is movable relative to the connector housing to an installed position. When the terminal position assurance is in the pre-lock position and the electric terminal is in the installed position, the electric terminal releases the terminal position assurance lock
- Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly and two electric terminals. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in a pre-lock state. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in a locked state. -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a housing of the connector assembly, showing a housing lock. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view, partially cut away, of a terminal position assurance of the connector assembly, showing a terminal position assurance lock. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along the line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 6 , showing the housing with one of the electric terminals in an installed position. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a terminal lock of the housing. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view, partially cut away, of one of the electric terminals seated on the terminal lock. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 7 , taken along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 ofFIG. 3 . - Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly indicated generally at 10. Theconnector assembly 10 includes ahousing 12 and aterminal position assurance 14. Theconnector assembly 10 is adapted to hold anelectric terminal 16 and a secondelectric terminal 16A in afirst terminal cavity 18 and asecond terminal cavity 18A, respectively. Theterminal cavities housing 12 from aninsertion end 20 of thehousing 12 to amate end 22. The illustratedelectric terminals connector assembly 10 may be adapted to hold any desired type of electric terminal. Further, theconnector assembly 10 may hold any desired number of electric terminals. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a perspective view of theconnector assembly 10 wherein theterminal position assurance 14 is attached to thehousing 12 and is located in a pre-lock position.FIG. 3 is a view of theconnector assembly 10 wherein theterminal position assurance 14 has been moved relative to thehousing 12 from the pre-lock position to a locked position. Both of these positions will be described in detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a detailed view of a part of thehousing 12 that includes a housing lock, indicated generally at 24. The illustratedhousing 12 includes two housing locks 24 (shown onFIG. 1 ), but may include any desired number ofhousing locks 24.FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partially cut away view of a portion of theterminal position assurance 14 showing a terminal position assurance lock, indicated generally at 26. Theterminal position assurance 14 includes a terminalposition assurance body 27 and the terminalposition assurance lock 26 extends from the terminalposition assurance body 27 in amate direction 28. The illustratedterminal position assurance 14 includes two terminal position assurance locks 26 (shown onFIG. 1 ), but may include any desired number. Thehousing lock 24 and the terminalposition assurance lock 26 serve to retain theterminal position assurance 14 in one of a plurality of positions relative to thehousing 12. - In order to attach the
terminal position assurance 14 to thehousing 12, theterminal position assurance 14 is placed in an initial position adjacent to themate end 22 of thehousing 12 with the terminalposition assurance locks 26 extending toward thehousing 12. Theterminal position assurance 14 is then moved in themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12 to the pre-lock position illustrated inFIG. 2 . Referring toFIG. 5 , the terminalposition assurance lock 26 includes aresilient arm 30 that extends from the terminalposition assurance body 27 and alock head 32 that extends from thearm 30. Thelock head 32 includes aninsert slide 34 that is located on a side of thelock head 32 that faces in themate direction 28. When theterminal position assurance 14 is moved from the initial position toward the pre-lock position, theinsert slide 34 engages thehousing 12, causing thearm 30 to deflect and move thelock head 32 away from thehousing 12. Referring toFIG. 4 , thehousing lock 24 includes apre-lock catch 36. When theterminal position assurance 14 is moved to the pre-lock position, thearm 30 rebounds, and thelock head 32 is moved into thepre-lock catch 36. Theconnector assembly 10 is then in the pre-lock position illustrated inFIG. 2 . - The
connector assembly 10 includes features to retain theconnector assembly 10 in the pre-lock position that will be described below. Theterminal position assurance 14 is prevented from being moved in themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12 when theconnector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position. Theterminal position assurance 14 is also prevented from being moved opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12 when theconnector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position. - Referring back to
FIG. 5 , thelock head 32 includes aninsert stop 38 on the side of thelock head 32 that faces in themate direction 28. Theinsert stop 38 is located adjacent to theinsert slide 34 and has a different slope than theinsert slide 34. Referring toFIG. 4 , thehousing lock 24 includes aninsert block 40 on thepre-lock catch 36. When theconnector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position, theinsert stop 38 is located adjacent to theinsert block 40.FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 and is taken through theinsert stop 38 and theinsert block 40. As shown, theinsert stop 38 engages theinsert block 40 to prevent further movement of theterminal position assurance 14 in themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. - Referring back to
FIG. 5 , thelock head 32 includes aremoval stop 42 on the side of thelock head 32 that faces opposite themate direction 28. Theremoval stop 42 is located on the opposite side of thelock head 32 from theinsert stop 38. Referring toFIG. 4 , thehousing lock 24 includes aremoval block 44 on thepre-lock catch 36. Theremoval block 44 is located on the opposite side of thepre-lock catch 36 from theinsert block 40. When theconnector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position, theremoval stop 42 is located adjacent to theremoval block 44, and theremoval stop 42 engages theremoval block 44 to prevent movement of theterminal position assurance 14 opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. - The
terminal position assurance 14 also includes a plurality of retainer latches, indicated generally at 46. The illustratedterminal position assurance 14 includes four retainer latches 46, and two are shown inFIG. 5 . However, theterminal position assurance 14 may include any desired number of retainer latches 46. Eachretainer latch 46 includes aresilient latch arm 48 that extends from the terminalposition assurance body 27 and alatch tab 50 that extends from thelatch arm 48. Thehousing 12 includes a plurality of retainer catches 52. The illustratedhousing 12 includes four retainer catches 52, and one is shown inFIG. 4 . When theconnector assembly 10 is in the pre-lock position, each of the retainer latches 46 engages one of the retainer catches 52 to prevent theterminal position assurance 14 from being moved opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. - As previously described and as shown in
FIG. 6 , theterminal cavity 18 extends from theinsertion end 20 to themate end 22 of thehousing 12. Theterminal cavity 18 extends along acavity axis 54. The secondterminal cavity 18A similarly extends along acavity axis 54A. The illustrated secondterminal cavity 18A includes the same features as theterminal cavity 18 and will not be described separately. Theterminal cavity 18 includes a terminal lock, indicated generally at 56, that serves to retain theelectric terminal 16 in an installed position in theterminal cavity 18. Theterminal lock 56 includes aresilient lock arm 58 and alock tab 60 that extends from thelock arm 58 toward thecavity axis 54. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in order to insert theelectric terminal 16 into theterminal cavity 18, theelectric terminal 16 is initially positioned with amate end 62 adjacent to theinsertion end 20 of thehousing 12. Theelectric terminal 16 is then moved in aninsertion direction 64 relative to thehousing 12 and into theterminal cavity 18. In the illustrated embodiment, theinsertion direction 64 is opposite themate direction 28. However, theinsertion direction 64 may have any desired orientation. - As the
electric terminal 16 is moved in theinsertion direction 64 relative to thehousing 12, it engages theterminal lock 56 and pushes thelock tab 60 away from thecavity axis 54. The illustratedelectric terminal 16 is similar to the terminal described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,193,247, but includes twolock windows 66 on opposed sides thereof. The illustratedlock windows 66 are located in aspring 68 of theelectric terminal 16, but may be located in any desired part of theelectric terminal 16. When theelectric terminal 16 is moved in theinsertion direction 64 to the installed position, theterminal lock 56 rebounds toward thecavity axis 54, and thelock tab 60 is moved into one of thelock windows 66. This is illustrated inFIG. 7 , which is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 6 with theelectric terminal 16 shown in the installed position. When theelectric terminal 16 is in the installed position, theelectric terminal 16 engages theterminal lock 56 to prevent the electric terminal 16 from being moved opposite theinsertion direction 64 relative to thehousing 12. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , there is illustrated a partially cut away view of thehousing 12 showing theterminal lock 56.FIG. 9 is a view similar toFIG. 8 , showing a cut away view of theelectric terminal 16 in the installed position on theterminal lock 56. As previously described, thelock tab 60 extends from thelock arm 58. Thelock tab 60 includes a raisedridge 70 on anouter end 72 thereof, away from thelock arm 58. Theouter end 72 has a width 74 that is larger than theridge 70 and includes a flat 76 on either side of theridge 70. When theelectric terminal 16 is in the installed position, theridge 70 is located inside theelectric terminal 16 as shown inFIG. 9 , and theelectric terminal 16 is seated, in part, on theflats 76. As a result, theridge 70 positions theelectric terminal 16 on thelock tab 60 so that theelectric terminal 16 is in contact with thelock tab 60 across the width 74. - Referring back to
FIG. 7 , when theelectric terminal 16 is in the installed position, it releases the terminal position assurance lock 26 from thepre-lock catch 36. As shown, theelectric terminal 16 engages thelock head 32, and thelock head 32 is pushed away from thecavity axis 54 and out of thepre-lock catch 36. As a result, the insert stop 38 will not engage theinsert block 40 and will not prevent further movement of theterminal position assurance 14 in themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, theterminal position assurance 14 will be locked in the pre-lock position until the secondelectric terminal 16A is also placed in an inserted position. When the secondelectric terminal 16A is placed in the inserted position, theterminal position assurance 14 will be able to be moved in themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. However, the retainer latches 46 will continue to engage the respective retainer catches 52 to prevent theterminal position assurance 14 from being moved opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , there is illustrated a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 7 , with the secondelectric terminal 16A in the installed position and theterminal position assurance 14 moved relative to thehousing 12 in themate direction 28. Theconnector assembly 10 is shown in the locked position, illustrated inFIG. 3 . - Referring back to
FIG. 4 , thehousing lock 24 includes alock catch 78. When theterminal position assurance 14 is moved to the locked position, thearm 30 rebounds, and thelock head 32 is moved into thelock catch 78. Referring toFIG. 10 , thelock head 32 also extends into one of thelock windows 66 on theelectric terminal 16. When theconnector assembly 10 is in the locked position, thelock head 32 and thelock catch 60 are located on opposed sides of thecavity axis 54. As shown inFIG. 10 , thelock head 32 engages thehousing 12 to prevent theterminal position assurance 14 from being moved opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12. - The
terminal position assurance 14 includes alock stop 80 that prevents theterminal lock 56 from releasing theelectric terminal 16. Thelock stop 80 extends behind thelock arm 58 in order to prevent theterminal lock 56 from moving away from thecavity axis 54. Thus, when theconnector assembly 10 is in the locked position, theterminal position assurance 14 prevents theterminal lock 56 from releasing the electric terminal 16 from theterminal cavity 18. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a cross-sectional view taken through theconnector assembly 10 in the locked position. The view illustrated inFIG. 11 is taken parallel to the view illustrated inFIG. 10 . Theterminal position assurance 12 also includes aforward stop 82 that prevents theterminal lock 56 from moving toward thecavity axis 54. Theforward stop 82 extends from the terminalposition assurance body 27 in themate direction 28. Theterminal lock 56 includes aforward block 84 that engages theforward stop 82 to prevent theterminal lock 56 from moving toward thecavity axis 54. Referring back toFIG. 8 , the illustratedterminal lock 56 includes twoforward blocks 84 that are located on opposite sides of thelock tab 60. However, theterminal lock 56 may have any desired number of forward blocks 84 extending in any desired locations. Referring toFIG. 12 , there is illustrated a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 . As shown, theterminal position assurance 14 includes two forward stops 82 that each extend in front of one of the forward blocks 84. Eachforward stop 82 is located between therespective forward block 84 and theterminal cavity 18. - If a force is applied to the pull the
electric terminal 16 out of theterminal cavity 18 in the direction opposite theinsertion direction 64, such movement of theelectric terminal 16 is resisted by theterminal lock 56. Theelectric terminal 16 engages thelock tab 60, and theelectric terminal 16 is stopped from moving opposite theinsertion direction 64. This applies a force that could break thelock tab 60 off of thelock arm 58, which is resisted by the shear strength of theterminal lock 56. This also applies a force to theterminal lock 56 that tends to pull thelock arm 58 toward thecavity axis 54. If theterminal lock 56 is pulled toward thecavity axis 54, the section of theterminal lock 56 that resists the shearing of theterminal lock 56 can change, which could reduce the strength of theterminal lock 56. Therefore, it is advantageous that theterminal position assurance 14 prevent theterminal lock 56 from moving toward thecavity axis 54 in order to maintain the designed strength of theterminal lock 56. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , when theconnector assembly 10 is in the locked position, theterminal cavity 18 has a substantially rectangular shape with three walls defined by thehousing 12 and one wall defined by theterminal position assurance 14. Theterminal lock 56 extends into theterminal cavity 18 from the wall defined by theterminal position assurance 14. Also, theterminal position assurance 14 limits movement of theterminal lock 56 away from thecavity axis 54, and theterminal position assurance 14 limits movement of theterminal lock 56 toward thecavity axis 54. - The illustrated
connector assembly 10 is also serviceable and theelectric terminal 16 and the secondelectric terminal 16A may be removed from their respective installed positions, if desired. Referring back toFIG. 10 , theelectric terminal 16 is retained in the firstterminal cavity 18 by theterminal lock 56, which is held in place by the lock stop 80 on theterminal position assurance 14. In order to remove the electric terminal 16 from the installed position, theterminal position assurance 14 is moved opposite themate direction 28 relative to thehousing 12 to the pre-lock position. - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , theterminal position assurance 14 includesfirst release openings 86 that extend through the terminalposition assurance body 27. The illustratedterminal position assurance 14 includes twofirst release openings 86, but may include any desired number. A release tool (not shown) may be inserted through thefirst release openings 86, parallel to thecavity axis 54, to engage theterminal lock 56. In the illustrated embodiment, each first release opening 86 is aligned with one of the forward blocks 84. Referring toFIG. 8 , eachforward block 84 is angled so that the release tool engages theterminal lock 56, deflects thelock arm 58, and moves thelock tab 60 away from thecavity axis 54. At this point, thelock tab 60 is moved out of thelock window 66 and theelectric terminal 16 may be removed from the firstterminal cavity 18. - The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (12)
1-13. (canceled)
14. A connector assembly comprising:
a housing;
a terminal position assurance having a terminal position assurance lock, the terminal position assurance being supported on the housing for movement relative thereto between a pre-lock position, wherein the terminal position assurance lock is able to engage the housing to prevent movement of the terminal position assurance relative to the housing, and a lock position; and
an electric terminal supported on the housing for movement relative thereto between a non-installed position, wherein the electric terminal permits the terminal position assurance lock to engage the housing, and an installed position, wherein the electric terminal does not permit the terminal position assurance lock to engage the housing.
15. The connector assembly defined in claim 14 wherein when the terminal position assurance is in the pre-lock position and the electric terminal is in the non-installed position, the terminal position assurance lock engages the housing to prevent movement of the terminal position assurance relative to the housing.
16. The connector assembly defined in claim 15 wherein the housing includes a pre-lock catch, and wherein the terminal position assurance lock engages the pre-lock catch on the housing when the terminal position assurance is in the pre-lock position and the electric terminal is in the non-installed position.
17. The connector assembly defined in claim 15 wherein when the terminal position assurance is in the pre-lock position and the electric terminal is in the installed position, the terminal position assurance lock does not engage the housing to prevent movement of the terminal position assurance relative to the housing.
18. The connector assembly defined in claim 14 wherein when the terminal position assurance is in the lock position, the terminal position assurance lock is able to engage the housing to prevent movement of the terminal position assurance relative to the housing.
19. The connector assembly defined in claim 18 wherein the housing includes a lock catch, and wherein the terminal position assurance lock engages the lock catch on the housing when the terminal position assurance is in the lock position.
20. The connector assembly defined in claim 19 wherein the electric terminal includes a lock window, and wherein terminal position assurance lock engages the block window on the electric terminal when the terminal position assurance is in the lock position and the electric terminal is in the installed position.
21. The connector assembly defined in claim 14 wherein the terminal position assurance includes a body and an arm that extends from the body, and wherein the terminal position assurance lock extends from the arm.
22. The connector assembly defined in claim 21 wherein the terminal position assurance lock includes a lock head having an insert slide that is located on a side thereof.
23. The connector assembly defined in claim 14 wherein the terminal position assurance includes a retainer latch that prevents the terminal position assurance from being removed from the housing.
24. The connector assembly defined in claim 14 wherein the terminal position assurance has a plurality of terminal position assurance locks and a plurality of electrical terminals is supported on the housing, and wherein each of the electric terminals is supported on the housing for movement relative thereto between a non-installed position, wherein the electric terminal permits an associated one of the plurality of terminal position assurance locks to engage the housing, and an installed position, wherein the electric terminal does not permit the associated one of the plurality of terminal position assurance locks to engage the housing.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/507,908 US10892577B1 (en) | 2019-07-10 | 2019-07-10 | Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock |
DE102020208599.4A DE102020208599A1 (en) | 2019-07-10 | 2020-07-09 | CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WITH A CONNECTION LOCK |
CN202010660828.5A CN112217024A (en) | 2019-07-10 | 2020-07-10 | Electrical terminal connector assembly with terminal lock |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/507,908 US10892577B1 (en) | 2019-07-10 | 2019-07-10 | Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US10892577B1 US10892577B1 (en) | 2021-01-12 |
US20210013661A1 true US20210013661A1 (en) | 2021-01-14 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/507,908 Active US10892577B1 (en) | 2019-07-10 | 2019-07-10 | Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock |
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US (1) | US10892577B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112217024A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102020208599A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10811804B1 (en) * | 2019-07-10 | 2020-10-20 | Lear Corporation | Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock |
US11515660B2 (en) * | 2019-10-01 | 2022-11-29 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Electrical connector assembly with retaining device |
US11545777B2 (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2023-01-03 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Coaxial connector assembly |
WO2024077442A1 (en) * | 2022-10-10 | 2024-04-18 | FCI NANTONG Ltd. | Rugged, high voltage, low current connector |
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US5292261A (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1994-03-08 | Yazaki Corporation | Terminal retainer for connector |
US5645453A (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 1997-07-08 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector |
US5738542A (en) * | 1995-07-19 | 1998-04-14 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with two step positive contact retention |
US5989066A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 1999-11-23 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with dual position latched terminal position assurance |
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FR2678779A1 (en) * | 1991-07-04 | 1993-01-08 | Francelco Sa | Plug-in electrical terminal (connection) block with locking of the contact terminals |
US5281168A (en) | 1992-11-20 | 1994-01-25 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector with terminal position assurance system |
US5520553A (en) * | 1994-12-08 | 1996-05-28 | Molex Incorporated | Connector with a front end mounted terminal position assurance system |
US6116953A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 2000-09-12 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector having a terminal position assurance device |
JP3601772B2 (en) * | 1999-12-08 | 2004-12-15 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
JP4089179B2 (en) * | 2001-06-06 | 2008-05-28 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
US6935893B1 (en) | 2004-02-11 | 2005-08-30 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector with terminal position assurance device |
US7867042B2 (en) * | 2008-03-26 | 2011-01-11 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Connector assembly with a low profile terminal position assurance member |
US8651901B2 (en) | 2011-05-04 | 2014-02-18 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Electrical connector having terminal position assurance |
US8721374B2 (en) * | 2011-07-22 | 2014-05-13 | Lear Corporation | Electrical connector |
US9153894B2 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-10-06 | Yazaki North America, Inc. | Terminal position assurance with dual primary lock reinforcement and independent secondary lock |
US9819111B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2017-11-14 | J.S.T. Corporation | Connector with terminal carrier lock and individual TPA retention features |
US9673553B1 (en) | 2016-04-22 | 2017-06-06 | J.S.T. Corporation | Terminal position assurance locking mechanism and method for operating thereof |
-
2019
- 2019-07-10 US US16/507,908 patent/US10892577B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-07-09 DE DE102020208599.4A patent/DE102020208599A1/en active Pending
- 2020-07-10 CN CN202010660828.5A patent/CN112217024A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5292261A (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1994-03-08 | Yazaki Corporation | Terminal retainer for connector |
US5645453A (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 1997-07-08 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector |
US5738542A (en) * | 1995-07-19 | 1998-04-14 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with two step positive contact retention |
US5989066A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 1999-11-23 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector with dual position latched terminal position assurance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN112217024A (en) | 2021-01-12 |
DE102020208599A1 (en) | 2021-01-14 |
US10892577B1 (en) | 2021-01-12 |
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